Dare Divil Collective

The Action Button on the iPhone is one of those features that looks simple on the surface, but once you customize it, it can become a powerful accessibility tool. For blind users especially, having instant access to an AI assistant can make everyday tasks faster, safer, and less frustrating.

Instead of digging through apps, you can set the Action Button to launch your preferred AI using live speech. That means quick help with reading documents, identifying surroundings, checking products while shopping, or getting answers on the go.

Here’s how I set mine up.

How to Customize the Action Button

Open Settings.

Swipe to Action Button and double tap.

Swipe through the available options. You’ll see choices like Silent Mode, Focus, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memos, Music Recognition, Translate, Magnifier, Controls, Shortcuts, and Accessibility.

Double tap the option you want to assign. For AI access, we’re going to choose Shortcuts.

Using the Action Button for AI Apps

After selecting Shortcuts, swipe right until you find All Shortcuts and double tap.

You’ll now see a list of available shortcuts. This is where things get interesting. Many AI apps already include built-in shortcuts, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Aira, and others.

For this example, we’re going to choose ChatGPT Live Voice Mode.

Double tap the ChatGPT live voice shortcut. This allows the Action Button to launch ChatGPT directly into live speech mode.

Once selected, your Action Button is now tied to that AI experience.

If you don’t immediately see the shortcut you want, swipe until you find Show All Shortcuts and double tap. This will reveal all shortcuts stored in your folders.

This is especially useful if, like me, you organize shortcuts by category. I have multiple AI shortcuts in one folder, including shortcuts for creating calendar events that I share with my better half, as well as different AI tools for different situations.

Choosing the Right AI for You

You’re not limited to ChatGPT. You can assign Gemini, Aira, or another AI app depending on what you rely on most.

For me, ChatGPT live speech works best because it lets me turn on the camera, ask questions verbally, and get help with my surroundings, documents, mail, or quick research without touching the screen much.

Pick the AI that fits your daily needs.

Using the Action Button in Real Life

Once everything is set up, press and hold the Action Button.

Your chosen AI app launches instantly.

This is incredibly helpful when you’re on the go. Shopping for groceries, checking clothing, reading paperwork, or navigating an unfamiliar environment becomes much easier when your AI assistant is one button press away.

Instead of unlocking your phone, finding the app, and navigating menus, you’re immediately connected to live help.

Final Thoughts

This setup turns the Action Button into more than just a shortcut. It becomes a personal accessibility tool that adapts to your life.

If you rely on AI for independence, information, or productivity, this is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make your iPhone work better for you.

Try it out, experiment with different AI shortcuts, and see which setup fits your routine best.